realme C21Y review
The Realme C21Y is an affordable smartphone that offers a decent set of features, but also has some notable drawbacks. In terms of design, the phone's geometric pattern on the back looks cool, and the power and volume buttons are clicky and easy to press. However, the fingerprint sensor can't be used if it's placed on a flat surface, which is inconvenient. The display is a highlight, with a large and flat screen that makes it easy to hold and use. The brightness is also impressive, allowing for comfortable viewing in bright sunlight. On the other hand, the speaker placement is subpar, making it difficult to enjoy music or videos without muffling the sound. The cameras are adequate, with the main camera taking clear photos and recording 1080p full HD video. However, the black and white camera seems unnecessary and doesn't add any functionality to the phone. Battery life is solid, lasting a full day or even a day and a half of moderate use. However, charging speed is slow, with no fast charging option available. The included charger also charges the phone at a sluggish pace. In terms of performance, the Realme C21Y can handle basic tasks and light gaming without issue. However, it occasionally stutters and lags when running more resource-intensive apps, which may become a problem in the long run. Ultimately, this phone is suitable for casual users who want an affordable device for basic use. However, those who need a phone for heavy gaming, camera usage, or demanding tasks should look elsewhere. A decent option for the price-sensitive buyer, but not without its compromises.
Build Quality and Design
The Realme C21Y is an affordable smartphone that boasts a geometric pattern at the back, which may appeal to some users. While I appreciate the design's uniqueness, there are several aspects of build quality and design that raise concerns. One major drawback is the fingerprint sensor's placement on the back, making it unusable when placed on a flat surface. This forces you to lift the phone to unlock it, which can be inconvenient. The speaker placement is also subpar, as it's easily muffled when watching videos or playing games. Furthermore, the back panel feels cheap and flexible, making me worry about its durability. The power and volume buttons are clicky and easy to press, a welcome design choice. However, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a nice touch, allowing users to connect wired accessories like headphones or speakers. In terms of design aesthetics, I appreciate the geometric pattern on the back, which looks modern and sleek. Unfortunately, it's undermined by the poor build quality and placement issues mentioned earlier. The Realme C21Y's overall design feels somewhat budget-friendly, with corners cut in areas that matter most to me – build quality, fingerprint sensor placement, and speaker positioning. While it may be a great option for those on a tight budget or looking for basic functionality, I would exercise caution if you're expecting a premium device. While the Realme C21Y has some redeeming qualities in its design, its build quality issues, fingerprint sensor placement, and speaker positioning are significant drawbacks. If these aspects are crucial to your needs, I'd recommend exploring other options that prioritize build quality and design.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Realme C21Y is one of its standout features. In my testing, I found that this phone easily lasts for a full day with moderate use. With heavy usage, it can even make it to 1.5 days without needing to be recharged. During my review period, I used the phone extensively, including watching videos, browsing social media, and making occasional calls. Even with these activities, I didn't experience any significant battery drain. The phone's battery life was consistently impressive, and I never had to worry about running out of juice during the day. One of the reasons for the excellent battery life is likely due to the phone's efficient processor and software optimization. The Realme C21Y also comes with a 5000mAh battery, which provides ample power for extended usage. Overall, I'm pleased with the battery performance of this device. While there were some minor complaints about the charging speed being slow, it didn't significantly impact my overall experience. For those looking for an affordable phone with great battery life, the Realme C21Y is definitely worth considering. If you're on a tight budget and prioritize a long-lasting phone, then this might be the perfect option for you. Overall, I'm impressed with the Realme C21Y's battery life, which is one of its strongest selling points. While there are some areas where it falls short, the excellent battery performance makes up for many of these limitations.
Display
The display of the Realme C21Y is a notable aspect of this budget-friendly smartphone. In terms of design, I appreciate the large and flat screen that makes it easy to hold and use. Compared to curved phones, the flat display of the C21Y is more comfortable to navigate and swipe through. One of my favorite features of the display is its brightness. The screen is easily visible in bright sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor use. This is particularly useful for users who plan to take their phone with them on a sunny day or while commuting. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. One major issue I have with the speaker placement is that it can be easily covered by your finger, muffled sound or reduced volume while playing games or watching videos. This might not be a deal-breaker for some users, but it's something to keep in mind when considering this phone. In terms of display quality, the Realme C21Y does its job well. The screen is clear and crisp, making it suitable for general use such as browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, if you're looking for a more immersive experience or plan to use your phone for more resource-intensive applications, this might not be the best choice. Overall, the display of the Realme C21Y is a solid aspect of this smartphone. While it may have some limitations, it's a great option for those who want an affordable and practical phone for everyday use.
Camera
The camera system on the Realme C21Y is a mixed bag. On one hand, the main camera takes clear photos that are good enough for casual use. It can record videos in 1080p full HD, which is also a welcome feature. However, the black and white camera seems to be more of a marketing gimmick than a useful addition. I couldn't find any significant advantages to using it, and it doesn't provide any additional functionality to the phone. One of the most disappointing aspects of the camera system is the lack of detail in low-light conditions. Photos taken in dimly lit environments are grainy and lacking in contrast. This is something that could be a major letdown for users who want to take photos or record videos in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Another issue I have with the camera system is its overall laggy performance. Even switching between modes takes a few seconds, which can be frustrating when you need to quickly capture a moment. Additionally, the phone occasionally stutters and lags when using resource-intensive apps that also utilize the camera system. Despite these limitations, the Realme C21Y's camera is not completely without merit. It's good enough for casual use and will likely satisfy most users who just want to take quick snaps or record some basic videos. However, for those who are serious about photography or videography, there are likely better options available on the market. 3/5 In conclusion, while the Realme C21Y's camera is not a standout feature, it's also not a major disappointment. It's a solid, if unremarkable, effort that will get the job done for casual users. However, those who are looking for more advanced camera capabilities may want to look elsewhere.
Price and Value
The Realme C21Y is an affordable smartphone that promises to deliver basic functionality without breaking the bank. Priced at a budget-friendly rate, this phone is an attractive option for those who want a reliable device for everyday use. One of the standout features of the Realme C21Y is its price-to-value ratio. At its current price point, it offers a lot more than what you'd expect from a phone in this segment. The geometric pattern on the back looks sleek and modern, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition for those who still prefer wired audio accessories. However, some compromises have been made to keep costs low. The fingerprint sensor can only be used when lifting the phone off a flat surface, which may be inconvenient in certain situations. Additionally, the speaker placement is suboptimal, making it easy to muffle sound while watching videos or playing games. The display is another area where the Realme C21Y excels. With its large and flat design, it's easy to hold and use, especially when compared to curved screens that can be prone to accidental touches. The brightness is also commendable, making it suitable for use in bright sunlight. While the camera performance is decent, with a clear main camera and 1080p full HD video recording capabilities, the black-and-white camera seems like an afterthought, adding no additional functionality to the device. Battery life is another plus point, lasting a full day or even a day and a half of moderate use. However, charging speed is where the Realme C21Y falls short, with no fast charging support and a slow-charging adapter included in the box. Overall, the Realme C21Y is a decent budget phone that delivers value for its price. While it may not be perfect, it's an attractive option for those who want a reliable device without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a basic phone to use for everyday tasks like social media, video watching, and light gaming, then this phone is worth considering.
Performance
The Realme C21Y is an affordable smartphone that offers a range of features, but how well does it perform in everyday use? In this section, we'll take a closer look at the phone's performance and see if it can handle basic tasks and more resource-intensive applications. For basic tasks such as browsing the web, sending messages, and using social media apps, the Realme C21Y performs admirably. The phone's processor handles these tasks with ease, making it ideal for those who only need a phone for casual use. Additionally, light gaming is also possible on this device, although more demanding games may experience some lag. However, when it comes to running resource-intensive apps or more complex tasks, the Realme C21Y's performance begins to falter. The phone occasionally stutters and lags, making it less suitable for those who need a smartphone that can handle work-related tasks or demanding games. The camera app is also quite slow, with switching between modes taking several seconds. Speaking of the camera app, it's worth noting that while the main camera takes clear photos, the black and white camera doesn't seem to offer any additional functionality beyond what a standard camera can provide. This might be seen as a misstep by some, especially considering the marketing push behind this feature. Overall, the Realme C21Y's performance is decent for its price range but falls short in terms of handling more demanding tasks or resource-intensive applications. If you're looking for an affordable phone for basic use, such as watching videos or using social media, then the C21Y might be a good choice. However, if you need a phone that can handle work-related tasks or demanding games, it's best to look elsewhere.